Renter wants to install an EV charging station in carport - good or bad??

Question

• My renter would like to install an EV charger in the single-car carport, at his own expense. He is not a longterm renter - he will be moving in 12 to 18 months. #1 Are there liability or safety concerns with having an EV charger in an easily accessible carport? #2 When renter leaves is it necessary to remove the new wiring or is it something that might be of benefit to me (in case I get another renter with an EV)?  #3  Pros and cons, things to consider ??   THANKS IN ADVANCE for any advice!

Matthew Masoud · Answer

I would let them install it under the condition that the wiring must be returned to original condition before the end of the lease or they will be charged for it.

Or they can just leave the charger installed, great value if you want to sell or increase your rent a bit for the next tenant.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Sara Valentine  If they install a fast charger your electrical panel can handle I would ask them to leave it minus any special tesla connection they need. Also make sure it is capped when they leave even if it is an outlet as this can be a safety hazard, not everyone is intelligent about electricity a 220 can be used for welders and such but they are also may be install at a height that children can reach.

David Peschio · Answer

Yes, we’ve allowed tenants to install EV chargers before, as long as a licensed electrician handles the installation.

Benefits:

• Adds value to the property.
• Appeals to future tenants who drive EVs.
• No cost to you, since the renter is covering installation.

Adds value to the property.

Appeals to future tenants who drive EVs.

No cost to you, since the renter is covering installation.

Things to Consider:

• Make sure the charger is weather-rated and secure, since it's in an open carport.
• Confirm the electrician pulls any required permits.
• Wiring can typically stay after the tenant moves out, which could be useful later.
• Clarify in writing who owns the charger and whether it will be removed at move-out.

Make sure the charger is weather-rated and secure, since it's in an open carport.

Confirm the electrician pulls any required permits.

Wiring can typically stay after the tenant moves out, which could be useful later.

Clarify in writing who owns the charger and whether it will be removed at move-out.

Bill B. · Answer

You get a quote from a licensed/bonded, etc etc electrician for a 14-50r receptacle and installation. If the tenant agrees they give you the money and then you have it installed. If the tenant has a Tesla it will plug in charge at high speed. If they have anything else they simply buy a wired charger for a few a couple hundred dollars. It plugs in just like a clothes dryer and they can remove it when they move out. The next tenants can use it or ignore it, heck maybe they’ll have a 220v air compressor or welder and love having the plug.

Ps  “not a long term renter” with 12-18 months left on lease?

Pps  just noticed your easily accessible carport  thsi leads to…the Tesla charger can be told to only charge you car(s) but it’s an expensive thing that could easily be stolen  plus all teslas will have a cheaper “portable” option they can put in car when not being used  I assume the same is true of all third party cars  the electricity could still be “stolen” but if it becomes a problem you put a locking cover on the plug

Tom S. · Answer

@Sara Valentine  Just adding, you should at least let your insurance company know too.  Mine inspects the rental every other year, and if there's suddenly something new electrical there that wasn't when they issued the policy, never a good thing.

Randall Alan · Answer

@Sara Valentine

I would just point out to you that the typical Tesla charger is a 220 volt installation.  This would likely take putting it on its own circuit breaker unless you have some spare 220v breaker available.  This would require your circuit breaker box to have space to install it as well.  As long as your box isn't full... no issue.  But if it is, it becomes a question of how to accommodate.

I wouldn't so much ask that the renter return the installation to how it was previously - but rather that if / when the charger is removed the 'house wiring' is to remain and must be properly capped off.  Usually there is a plastic like conduit that runs to where the charger is mounted.  If it were my situation I would want to see the conduit left there so that the next person who wants to install a charger already has 90% of the installation work sitting there waiting for them.  The labor to drill through the wall, install 220 wire to the box, hook up the charger is probably $300-400... (at least that is what I paid for mine - with the breaker box very close by).  So I would want to see the wiring & breaker remain to not waste the installation expense.

All the best!

Randy

Jack Matthias · Answer

As an EV owner I think it would be a good thing to add going forward. I would just make them install the Tesla wall connector that has both common plugs on it as linked here: This way you can accommodate any EV with 1 charger.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tesla-universal-wall-connector-...

Renter wants to install an EV charging station in carport - good or bad??

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